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Over 10% of Michigan's adult population (about 758,300 people) has been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This figure does not include the approximate 250,000 people who are thought to have diabetes but currently remain undiagnosed. While diabetes does not discriminate, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) reports that it disproportionately affects African American and Hispanic adults.

Diabetes gives rise to a number of health implications and serious consequences. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) indicates that individuals diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to experience increased hospitalizations, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and diabetic retinopathy, among other adverse consequences. The CDC estimates the total direct and indirect cost of diabetes in 2007 was $174 billion, and that dollar figure continues to rise as diabetes prevalence also continues to rise. Many of the costs and complications of diabetes can be prevented through the promotion of preventive health services and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Michigan Primary Care Association is working with MDCH, local partners, and Michigan Health Centers to promote diabetes prevention and maintenance to ensure a healthier Michigan.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes, working in partnership with their support network and health care providers, can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Types of Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes (formerly Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus), which results from a combination of resistance to the action of insulin and insufficient insulin production

Gestational Diabetes, a common complication of pregnancy, which can lead to perinatal complications in mother and child and substantially increases the likelihood of cesarean section. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for subsequent development of type 2 diabetes after pregnancy

Criteria for the Diagnosis of Diabetes

A fasting blood sugar level ≥126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) after an overnight fast, OR

Why is it Important to Know About Diabetes?

10.9 million (26.9%) of U.S. residents aged 65 years and older had diabetes in 2010

About 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes (type 1 or type 2) in the U.S. in 2010

About 1.9 million people 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the U.S.

Based on fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c levels, in 2005-2008, 35% of U.S. adults aged 20 years or older had pre-diabetes (50% of adults aged 65 years or older); applying this percentage to the entire U.S. population in 2010 yields an estimated 79 million American adults aged 20 years or older with pre-diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the U.S.

Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Diabetes Resources

Housed within the MPCA website is a wealth of educational and resource materials on a variety of topics relevant to Michigan Health Centers and the delivery of primary and preventive care to medically underserved areas and populations. To access Diabetes Resources you may search the website by keyword using the search field at the top of this page, or you may search the Diabetes Resources webpage.

A personalized mobile health program that gives
ongoing support to people with type 2 diabetes
using the core principles of diabetes care.